Diplomatic Correspondent

20 Bangladeshi nationals returned home from India today ( April 30, 2024) in a coordinated effort by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Kolkata-based Bangladesh Sub-High Commission and the Special Task Force on Anti-Trafficking of Women and Children in West Bengal, India. The West Bengal government repatriated them at the Benapole border in Jessore at 4:30 PM Bangladesh time.

During the repatriation, Minister Counselor Sikder Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman working in Bangladesh Sub-High Commission, Kolkata, Vidosh Chandra Barman, Director of South Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with local upazila administration, police administration, upazila women and children affairs officers and BGB authorities were present.

These Bangladeshi women and children detained in various safe homes in West Bengal during their entry and stay in India after being subjected to human trafficking and fraud at various times from Bangladesh. Later, these Bangladeshi women and children staying in various safe homes were issued travel permits after verification of their citizenship in the joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bangladesh Sub-High Commission located in Kolkata with the cooperation of the West Bengal Government of India and they were safely brought back to Bangladesh.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working to ensure the safety and overall welfare of Bangladeshis working abroad. If any Bangladeshi is a victim of fraud or trapped while staying or working abroad, this ministry takes necessary measures to bring them back home safely, including assisting them, if necessary.